Semiconductor manufacturing business ams Osram has secured €227m ($237.4m) from the European Commission to develop a new wafer manufacturing facility in Premstätten, Austria.
The European Commission today (24th Geb) approved the direct grant to support the company’s total €1.4bn investment. ams Osram hopes to have the plant operating at full capacity in 2030.
ams Osram’s facility uses a “toolbox approach” that combines two technologies: metal oxide semiconductors for transistors and a technique called through silicon via, which connects chips vertically. This also includes optical filters, offering unique features for the final chip.
It is thought that the facility will be Europe’s first with such an integrated process.
Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, said the Austrian project will have wide positive effects for the European semiconductor ecosystem.
“It will support the development of a strong and resilient digital economy in Europe, ensure a secure supply of semiconductors for the industry and help create high-skilled employment while limiting any potential distortion of competition.”
Europe’s semiconductor potential
In July 2023, the European Council approved the EU Chips Act in a bid to double the region’s global market share in semiconductors, from 10% now to at least 20% by 2030.
Read more: European Council gives Chips Act the green light
First announced in February 2022, the Chips Act hopes to mobilise €43bn in public and private investment, with €3.3bn coming from the EU budget,
With the Act, the EU hopes to become an industrial base for the semiconductor market, attract further investment, promote research and innovation, and prepare for any future chip supply crisis.
